PbFe12O19 nanocomposites are successfully synthesized by sol-gel auto-combustion route by employing valine as reducing agent and graphene and CNT as matrix. The magnetic property of the products is investigated. The lead hexaferrite nanocomposites with high coercive force of 5698 Oe are obtained in the presence of graphene. For the first time, the photocatalytic behavior of lead hexaferrites is evaluated, using the degradation of organic dyes under ultraviolet light irradiation. The results show that the nanocomposites have applicable photocatalytic performance. At the first time, the optical and electrochemical properties of lead hexaferrites are evaluated and results show that these properties in the nanocomposites are improved. It is the first time that valine, graphene and CNT are used in the synthesis of lead hexaferrites. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.